Serena knew she was being quite silly… It hadn't been eight weeks yet! It had only been seven weeks and four days.
Still, she had begun to sit all day at the same spot. A high spot in Arboria where she had a free view of the only road leading up there.
They had promised each other… Eight weeks. Serena couldn't really imagine any of her friends breaking that promise. Yet when she thought about it she felt that twist in her stomach and she nervously fiddled with her dress.
How was everyone? They had all gone home, to each their own home and family. They were probably all so busy.
Perhaps they had already forgotten.. Serena shook her head. No! That wasn't possible! They had been through so much together! They… She halted as suddenly, she saw a lonely figure in the distance on the road.
Could it be? Serena laid down on her stomach as if just trying to get a closer look, who could it be? She squinted her eyes. The figure seemed mostly… green. The of the figures head though was blue.. Blue hair.
Serena gasped as the person came closer into view, his spiky blue hair becoming more apparent and his slender figure then Serenas mouth widened in a grin. "ERIK!" she screamed.
Erik halted then he looked up, shadowing his eyes with a hand. Then he grinned. "Serena!" he called back. "HALLOOOOO!"
"HAHAHA!" Serena waved at him with both arms. "Erik!" she beamed as she turned away and ran, she ran as fast as she could, down from her spot, through Arboria, so quick that when she came out on the road Erik hadn't gotten that much further, she beamed though as she ran and embraced him. "YOU CAME!" she beamed.
"Hey I promised. Didn't I?" Erik commented. "What would it look like if everyone else showed up and I was the only one not to come?"
Serena blushed as she stepped away. "You are the first one to come." she admitted.
"Well, the deadline is still in a few days." Erik commented. "I just figured. Better early than late right?" he asked. "And hey, then the two of us get to hang out." he blinked.
Serena smiled. "Yes indeed."
"Oh, and before I forget." Erik put down his backpack which Serena suddenly realized was a lot larger than it used to be. Then he pulled up a little package wrapped in cloth. "This is to you." he informed. "It's from Mia."
Serena blinked but accepted it, opened it up to be faced with a necklace that had two glass beads. One red and one green, both with golden matching markings. "Wow… That's so pretty." she commented.
"Yeah can you believe it? She's really good!" Erik grinned.
"Mia made them?" Serena asked.
"Yup." Erik stated. "And I have traveled a bit around selling them." he pointed at his bag. "Then we are splitting the profit fifty fifty."
"That is so nice. You're really working together." Serena beamed.
"It is nice." Erik admitted. "Sure beats pick pocketing for pocket money."
"That's good. I'm glad." Serena smiled. "Have you heard from any of the others?"
Erik shook his head. "I had hoped to make it past Cobblestone or Heliodor, but I didn't make it. I have no idea what they are doing." he admitted.
"Well, they should arrive soon." Serena commented. "You must be tired Erik, and hungry too. Please come on, I'll get you settled in!"
Erik smiled. "Honestly, I am starving!" he stated. "I was so busy getting here I didn't get to eat lunch! I could eat a horse!"
Serena chuckled. "I'm afraid we are out of horses." she stated. "How about some warm soup and freshly baked bread. Perhaps with an apple crumble for dessert?"
"That sounds absolutely wonderful!" Erik grinned then put an arm around Serena's shoulder. "I got so much to tell you!" he stated. "And I want to hear what you have been doing! You planted those flowers?"
Serena nodded. "Yes. They wont bloom before next spring though."
"Great!" Erik grinned. "Then I have the perfect excuse to come visit you."
"You need an excuse to come visit?" Serena asked.
"No, of course not." Erik stated. "I am just saying, now I definitely will come visit at spring. Oh I know, make it a tradition, I'll come every spring. To see how the garden is going."
"I would love that." Serena smiled. "You will always be welcome Erik."
Erik grinned. "Thanks! Okay, about that food."
And Serena chuckled walking with her friend, feeling so happy just being with one of her friends again. It was funny, eight weeks and it felt like no time had passed at all.
That is what it meant to have true friends Serena supposed.
Erik didn't wast his opportunity to open up shop, arriving a few days early meant he could put up a table and present all of the items Mia had made which was now put up for sale. And people were flocking to get a look at the handcrafted jewellery. "There is nothing else like it anywhere else, I guarantee it!" Erik grinned. "Only my sister makes these!"
And the women beamed as they looked over, praising the reasonable prices.
A young women looked longingly on a pair of dark blue earrings with silver markings.
"These are the only ones you will see like them." Erik informed picking them up. "Ones they are sold, that will be it."
The woman sighed. "I know… I just… I don't have enough money." she stated sadly.
"How much do you have?" Erik asked.
The woman bit her lip. "Fifty gold." she informed.
"All right, tell you what! Forty gold and it's yours!" Erik stated.
The woman gaped. "Are you serious?" she asked.
Erik nodded. "More than anything, Mia would want people who appreciates these items to have them. And listen, I am counting on coming back next spring! So, if you have money then, buy a necklace to match! And just promise me to use them plenty! Wear them!" he grinned.
The woman beamed and found her wallet giving Erik the needed money and Erik handed over the earrings. "Pleasure doing business with you." he smiled.
Just then he noticed, people attention were away from him and people seemed to be heading towards the city entrance. Something was happening.. But what?
Then a smile spread across Eriks lips. Someone had arrived! And who was supposed to arrive here these days?
Quickly Erik swept away all of his merchandise and stood up, eagerly following the crowd and then he gasped as he saw them.
They were easy to see as two of them were very tall, one tall knight and one tall minstrel even though he seemed to be wearing nicer fine clothes than his usual jesters outfit, and between them was a beautiful elegant woman.
Erik gasped! Three time jackpot! It was them! Then a smile spread on his lip as he bowed down and quietly snook behind all the people whom had come to have a look, behind the group of three.
Then he took in a deep breath, made ready and shouted. "BACK ATTACK!" as he ran as fast as he could and jumped up grabbing Sylvandos back now sitting on his back.
"ARGH!" Sylvando shouted in surprise, then he grinned. "You got me hon!" he exclaimed.
"Erik!" Jade beamed. "You're here already!"
"Hihi, yep!" Erik grinned still stuck to Sylvando's back but finally let go dropping down allowing Sylvando to turn around and face him.
"Darling you look fabulous." Sylvando grinned. "Still with that smile on I see."
"You bet cha!" Erik held up a hand making a peace sign. "And look at you all fancy pants. What's up with that?" he asked.
"As the Princess's personal knight is my duty to always bring smile and look good too!" Sylvando stated as he made an official salute.
"Woah, so you are actually working for Jade now?" Erik asked.
"He sure is." Jade smiled putting a hand on Sylvando's shoulder. "And he is amazing! People love him already."
"And their princess." Hendrik injected. "She has quickly garnered their admiration."
"Well, can't say I am that surprised." Erik grinned putting his hands behind his back. "I mean you are all a bunch of heroes and stuff. What I am saying is, I already knew you are pretty amazing."
"Thank you Erik, that's very sweet." Jade smiled amused.
"Anyway." Erik clasped his hands together. "We need to go find Serena! Right now! She's been really looking forward to see all of you."
"Where is the young lady?" Hendrik asked.
"Right here." A new voice sounded and they all turned then beamed as a young blond woman stepped forward. Serena smiled. "I heard the commotion and figured, it had to be some of you guys."
"Serena! Darling!" Sylvando beamed as he stepped forward and embraced him, followed by Jade that did the same.
"It's so good to see you." Jade smiled.
Serena smiled back. "You too. All of you." she looked around then eyed Hendrik and walked towards him looking up.
"Mam." Hendrik bowed his head for her.
"Is that a way to greet a friend?" Serena asked, then she smiled as she gave him a hug too.
"Wow almost everyone are here now." Erik grinned. "This is amazing. Now Rab and Hiro better get their ass's moving." he laughed.
"I'm sure they'll come soon." Jade stated in a smile.
It didn't take long, only a few hours before suddenly two new people arrived at the city together. The old man walking slowly as the younger man wearing purple held his arm supporting him.
Jade thought didn't even notice as she came running. "Rab!" she shouted. "RAAAAB!" And embraced the old man as the rest came running behind her.
"Jade." Rab smiled as he returned the embrace, then they let go. "Lass, you sure are a sight for sore eyes. Look at you, shining like the sun itself." he stated as he leaned on his cane.
"She has proven herself to be a fine princess already." Hendrik stated.
"of course she has." Rab smiled. "I always knew Jade was a fine princess."
"Hey buddie!" Erik grinned as he stepped forward grabbing Hiros hand and they both shook, then pulled each other into a brotherly hug. "Man! Do I have things to tell you!"
"Right back at you." Hiro grinned. "Also, I need to ask you something."
"Oh?" Erik asked.
Hiro grinned as he looked at them all, then cleared his throat. "I want you to be my best man!" he stated.
"What?" Erik asked.
"My wedding! In three weeks, you are all invited." Hiro grinned and they all gasped. "So Erik, what do you say?"
"You… You want me to?" Erik pointed at himself. "You sure?"
"Of course I am, you're my best friend." Hiro stated and Erik grinned then he jumped.
"OF COURSE I WILL!" Erik laughed jumping up with raised arms.
"Ohh a wedding! How wonderful!" Sylvando beamed. "Tell me darling did you think of entertainment? I can cut you a good deal."
Erik rolled his eyes. "You were going to entertain, whether Hiro likes it or not."
Sylvando smiled innocently shrugging his shoulders.
"How wonderful." Serena smiled. "I will be looking forward to it for sure."
"So you will all come?" Hiro asked and they all nodded.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world." Jade agreed.
Rab smiled as he looked up then groaned. "Excuse me, I just need to sit for a while." he asked.
"Rab?" Jade asked. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Rab assured in a smile. "It was just quite a walk up that mountain." he stated as he started to watch towards the bunch, except… Jade couldn't help but stare.
Rabs wand looked like a cane, this was the first time though Jade had actually seen him use it as one. He was clearly leaning on that cane as he walked slowly, usually there would be such a pep in his step defying his age, now though he seemed to be walking very slowly, then he nearly stumbled.
"Grandfather." Hiro grabbed Rabs arm getting him back up, helping him find balance.
"Ah, thank you Hiro." Rab smiled allowing Hiro to support him to the bench and he sat down, exhaling deeply as the others gathered around him.
"Honey." Sylvando looked at him. "Are you… Feeling all right?"
Rab smiled warmly as he looked up. "Aye. It was just a long journey." he stated.
Hendrik frowned, clearly not buying it, neither did anyone else.
"Urhm… Grandfather has." Hiro held his arm. "He's been very tired lately." he admitted. "He came to Cobblestone to just say hi and erhm. Well, Mah refused to let him go any further on his own. So, I made him a house. Right next to ours."
"It was so kind of ya." Rab smiled. "Such a lovely spot, I can see the water from my window. It is like heaven it is. And I get to see the young ones, everyday."
Jade looked seriously at Hiro. "Is there anything else?"
Hiro sighed deeply. "Well, erhm." he halted.
"Lass, there is nothing wrong with me." Rab calmly stated. "I'm just old."
Everyone turned to Rab.
"But." Jade began. "You were fine just eight weeks ago!" she pointed out.
"A man in my age normally wouldn't even have been able to make such a travel at all." Rab smiled amused. "It's okay Jade. I did what I needed to do. I'm fine with this."
"That doesn't make any sense!" Jade started. "You." she halted as she felt Hendrik's hand on her shoulder.
"Thank you. For making the journey here Lord Robert." Hendrik addressed the old man. "It can't have been easy."
"Ah, it wouldn't do to break such a promise." Rab stated. "Beside Hiro helped me the entire way. It was fine."
Serena sat down on her knee in front of the old man looking up. "It would have been okay if you didn't come. We would have understood."
Rab smiled. "I wanted to come." he stated in a smile. "I needed to see how all the young ones were doing."
"Geesh man." Erik turned his head away, clearly not happy about this Rab though chuckled amused.
Sylvando hung his head, then looked up. "Well! We are all finally here!" he pointed out. "So let's have some fun! Let's get something to eat and something to drink! I am sure we all have a whole bunch of stuff to tell each other!" he stated and they all turned to him. "I am sure Hendrik wants to tell all about that Ooglers digest cover girl he is seeing."
"HE WHAT?!" A whole bunch of people shouted.
Hendriks eyes widened. "NORBERTO!" he shouted.
"Are you serious?" Erik asked.
"It's not what it sounds like!" Hendrik exclaimed.
"Yes it is." Jade stated.
"No… I mean. It..." Hendrik began.
Wide-eyed Rab looked at him, then waved his hand. "Hendrik."
Hendrik bowed over so Rab could whisper.
"Which number?" Rab asked in a low whisper.
Hendrik swallowed as his face became red. "It.. erh.. 271." he finally admitted.
Rabs eyes widened. "271?!" he shouted so loudly everyone could clearly hear it. "The one with the really big.."
"Okay that's enough!" Hendrik exclaimed effectively cutting Rab off. "Sir Norberto, why don't you tell about your… erhm. Smiling Brigade."
"I don't know Hendrik. I much rather hear about your girl with the big what-ever." Erik commented with crossed arms.
"I think poor Hendrik has suffered enough." Jade smiled amused. "And I am sure we all get plenty of opportunities to embarrass him later."
"Princess." Hendrik groaned as Jade smiled amused.
"Oh I am going to get so much fun out of this." Erik grinned.
"Be nice." Serena asked. "I bet you're just jealous because you don't have a girlfriend."
"What? NO!" Erik exclaimed. "I mean, I have been busy! Making an honest life, I could get a girl if I wanted too."
"So you don't have a girl Erik." Jade pointed out.
"Well neither do you!" Erik pointed out. "I mean… guy! You don't have a guy."
"Isn't that a tragedy for all of us?" Sylvando asked in a deep sigh as Erik blinked at him.
"What?" he asked.
Hiro chuckled amused. "It sure is nice to have everyone back together." he commented and Serena smiled, so did everyone. It really was.